Backpack storage apparatus

ABSTRACT

Apparatus used to create storage space on the outside of a backpack and method for using such apparatus are described. The storage apparatus comprises a restraining device configured to store items on the outside of a backpack and an assembly for connecting the restraining device to a backpack. This assembly contains a grasping device and a connection device removably attached to the grasping device so that the fabric of the backpack is retained between the grasping device and the connection device. Items can then be stored on the outside of the backpack under the restraining device or the items can be attached to the restraining device itself. Using the connection assembly, the restraining device can be quickly attached to a wide variety of locations on the backpack and can be used with a wide variety of types, sizes, and shapes of backpacks. Other embodiments are also described.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This patent application claims priority of U.S. Application Ser. No. 61/488,710, filed on May 21, 2011, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

FIELD

This application relates to backpacking storage apparatus and methods for using such apparatus. More particularly, this application relates to apparatus used to create additional storage space on the outside of a backpack and method for using such apparatus.

BACKGROUND

Most backpacks are made with various storage compartments in which to store various articles. These backpacks, however, have limited number of storage compartments on the exterior of the pack that can be used for external storage. As well, these backpacks have very few hooking points on the exterior of the pack that can be used to attach items to and store the items on the outside of the backpack. These configurations often result in the inability to efficiently attach items to the outside of the backpack with the use of attachment devices (like cords, ropes, and/or bungee cords).

SUMMARY

This application describes an apparatus used to create storage space on the outside of a backpack and method for using such apparatus. The storage apparatus comprises a restraining device configured to store items on the outside of a backpack and an assembly for connecting the restraining device to a backpack. This assembly contains a grasping device and a connection device removably attached to the grasping device so that the fabric of the backpack is retained between the grasping device and the connection device. Items can then be stored on the outside of the backpack under the restraining device or the items can be attached to the restraining device itself. Using the connection assembly, the restraining device can be quickly attached to a wide variety of locations on the backpack and can be used with a wide variety of types, sizes, and shapes of backpacks.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The following description can be better understood in light of the Figures, in which:

FIG. 1 is a top view illustrating some embodiments of a restraining device of the backpack storage apparatus;

FIG. 2 is a side view of some embodiments of a hub and cords using in the restraining device;

FIG. 3 is a bottom view of some embodiments of a restraining device used in the backpack storage apparatus;

FIG. 4 is a top view of some embodiments of a grasping device used in the backpack storage apparatus;

FIG. 5 is a top view of some embodiments of a grasping device and connecting device used in the backpack storage apparatus;

FIG. 6 is a side view of some embodiments of a grasping device and connecting device used in the backpack storage apparatus;

FIG. 7 is a front view of some embodiments of the restraining device used in the backpack storage apparatus;

FIG. 8 is a side view of some embodiments of the restraining device used in the backpack storage apparatus;

FIG. 9 is a top view of some embodiments of the connection between the backpack storage apparatus and a backpack;

FIG. 10 is a side/cross section view of some embodiments of the connection between the backpack storage apparatus and a backpack; and

FIGS. 11, 12, 13A-13B, 14A-C, 15, 16A-16B, 17A-17B, 18A-B, 19A-C, 20A-B, 21A-21B, and 22A-22B illustrates other embodiments of grasping devices that can be used in a backpack storage apparatus.

The Figures illustrate specific aspects of the backpack storage apparatus and methods for using such apparatus. Together with the following description, the Figures demonstrate and explain the principles of the methods and structures produced through these methods. In the drawings, the thickness of layers and regions are exaggerated for clarity. The same reference numerals in different drawings represent the same element, and thus their descriptions will not be repeated. As the terms on, attached to, or coupled to are used herein, one object (e.g., a material, a layer, a substrate, etc.) can be on, attached to, or coupled to another object regardless of whether the one object is directly on, attached, or coupled to the other object or there are one or more intervening objects between the one object and the other object. Also, directions (e.g., above, below, top, bottom, side, up, down, under, over, upper, lower, horizontal, vertical, “x,” “y,” “z,” etc.), if provided, are relative and provided solely by way of example and for ease of illustration and discussion and not by way of limitation. In addition, where reference is made to a list of elements (e.g., elements a, b, c), such reference is intended to include any one of the listed elements by itself, any combination of less than all of the listed elements, and/or a combination of all of the listed elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description supplies specific details in order to provide a thorough understanding. Nevertheless, the skilled artisan would understand that the semiconductor devices and associated methods of using the devices can be implemented and used without employing these specific details. Indeed, the devices and associated methods can be placed into practice by modifying the illustrated devices and associated methods and can be used in conjunction with any other apparatus and techniques conventionally used in the industry. For example, while the description below focuses on storage apparatus for backpacks, it could be used for and applied to other fabric-containing devices like ATV's, UTV's, motorcycles, tents and other camping equip, tarps, or clothing.

Some embodiments of the apparatus used to create additional storage space on a backpack and method for using such apparatus are described herein and illustrated in the Figures. The backpack storage apparatus contains a restraining apparatus for storing items, a grasping device for grasping the fabric of a backpack, and a connection device for connecting the restraining device and the restraining apparatus.

FIG. 1 illustrates some embodiments of the restraining device (or restraining apparatus) of the backpack storage apparatus. In these embodiments, the restraining apparatus 110 comprises multiple cords that are connected using a hub 20. The multiple cords contain a plurality of first cords 40 and a plurality of second cords 10. The first cords 40 are connected to the hub 20 to form multiple cords extending out from the hub 20. The second cords 10 are then connected to the hub 20 and the first cords 40 to form an inner web-like structure.

The network of first cords 40 can be formed using any number of cords extending out from the hub 20 and can be used to restrain any desired item to a backpack. In some embodiments, there are four first cords 40 as shown in FIG. 3. In other embodiments, the number of first cords 40 can range from 2 to 8. In yet other embodiments, the number of first cords can range from 4 to 6. In other embodiments, the number of first cords 40 can be any combination or sub-range of these amounts.

The network of second cords 10 can be formed using any number of cords extending from the hub 20 which are connected to the first cords 40 to form a web-like structure and that will help restrain any desired item to a backpack. In the embodiments depicted in the Figures, there are two second cords 10. In other embodiments, the number of second cords can range from 1 to 6. In yet other embodiments, the number of second cords 10 can range from 2 to 4. In other embodiments, the number of second cords 10 can be any combination or sub-range of these amounts.

While the Figures illustrate that the first cords 40 are all of a substantially similar length, in other embodiments some (or all) of the first cords 40 can have different lengths (as measured from the hub 20 to the end of the cord). And while the Figures illustrate that the first and second cords are substantially equidistant from each other around the radius of the hub (i.e., at substantially similar angles of 60 degrees), in other embodiments some (or all) of the first and second cords can be arranged with different angles.

The second cords 10 can be connected to any desired point along the axis of the first cords 40 as they extend away from the hub 20. In the embodiments depicted in the Figures, the second cord 10 is connected halfway between the hub 20 and the end of the first cords 40. In other embodiments, the second cord 10 can be attached to any point between the hub 20 and the end of the first cords 40. Where there are multiple second cords 10, they can be spaced along the length of the first cords 40 as needed. In some configurations with multiple second cords 10, they can be located substantially equidistant from each other along length of the first cords 40 (i.e., forming multiple web-like structures) to optimize the retaining ability of the restraining device 110.

The first cords 40 and second cords 10 can be formed from any material that is flexible enough to be stretched and used with a wide variety of shapes and sizes of backpacks while keeping its restraining ability. In some embodiments, the cords can be made of ropes, bungee cords, rubber, or pack cords. In other embodiments, the first and cords can be made from polypropylene shock cord. The first and second cords can be made of the same or different materials.

As shown in the Figures, the first cords 40 and second cords 10 can be connected to each other using a clamping device. Any clamping device can be used, including wire clamps, steel clamps, aluminum, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the clamping device comprises galvanized wire clamps 30 as shown in FIGS. 1-3. In other embodiments, there can be other combinations of cords, i.e., 6 radially-extending cords and a single web cord.

The hub 20 can be used as a connecting point for the first cords 40 and the second cords 10. As shown in FIGS. 2-3, the hub 20 can contains multiple side openings through which the first and/or second cords can be inserted. In some configurations, a first cord 40 can loop through one of the side openings and then back out another side opening, forming a V-shape with a single cord as shown in FIG. 3. As well, the second cord 10 can loop through one of the side openings 100 and then be connected to itself using a clamping device, such as wire clamp 30 as shown in FIG. 2. In some configurations, the top of the hub 20 can contain an aesthetic design, such as the six holes 80 as shown in FIG. 1. These holes also have the ability to hook a carabineer or other tool or attachment device through.

In some embodiments, the retaining device 110 contains a hub 20 made from ABS or PVC material and is proportional to the size the restraining device 110. In other embodiments, the restraining device 110 can contain multiple hubs 20. And the hub 20 can be configured with a different size or shape than that shown in the Figures.

The first cords 40 and/or the second cords 10 also contain an attachment apparatus that can be used when connecting the restraining device 110 to a backpack. In the embodiments shown in the Figures, the first and second cords contain two attachments apparatus located near the end of each cord. The first and second cords can also contain one or 3 (or more) attachment apparatus at their end as needed for the desired backpack. As well, the attachment apparatus can be located at any location along the length of the first and second cords.

The attachment apparatus can comprise any device that can be used when attaching the first and second cords to the backpack. In the embodiments depicted in the Figures, the attachment apparatus comprise loops 90 that are created with a clamping device, such as wire clamps 30. In these embodiments, each first cord 40 and/or each second cord 10 can comprise both a primary loop 90 at the end of the cord 40 and a secondary loop 90 a short distance away from the end of the cord 40. The size of the loops 90 can be created so that they can be attached to the backpack using the grasping device and the connection device, as described below.

Some embodiments of a grasping device used in the backpack storage apparatus are depicted in FIG. 4. In this Figure, the grasping device 50 comprises a first opening 51 and a second opening 52 that is separated by a narrower channel 53. The configuration (size and shape) of the first opening 51 and the second opening 52 are selected to work with the selected connection device. The size of the channel 53 is selected so that it can grasp and retain the desired part of the connection device. In some embodiments, the diameter of the channel can be about 20% to about 25% smaller than the size of these openings. The grasping device 50 can be made from any material that is strong enough, including nylon, aluminum, steel, ABS or PVC materials.

The grasping device 50 can be configured to work with any desired connecting device. Examples of connecting devices that can be used include hooks, rings, and carabineers. In some embodiments, the connecting device used in the backpack storage device comprises a carabineer 60. Thus, as shown in FIGS. 5-6, the grasping device 50 can be configured with the first opening 51, second opening 52, and channel 53 so that one side of the carabineer 60 fits within the first opening 51 and the second opening 52 while being retained by the channel 53. The combination of the grasping device 50 and the carbineer 60 together create a connection assembly 120 for the restraining device 110.

The connection assembly 120 is used to connect the restraining device 110 to a backpack 70, as shown in FIG. 7. Given the nature of the retaining device 110 of the backpack storage apparatus, it can be configured to be used with a wide variety of backpacks having a wide range of shapes and sizes. Examples of the types of backpacks with which the backpack storage apparatus can be used include daypacks, hiking packs, duffle bags, luggage packs, or combinations thereof.

When the restraining device 110 is attached to a backpack 70 using the connection assembly 120 as shown in FIG. 8, the retaining device 110 can be used to secure a wide variety of items (such as camping gear, camping accessories, emergency supplies, and/or clothing) to that backpack 70. In some configurations, these items can be secured by being placed between the restraining device 110 and the backpack 70. In other configurations, these items can be secured to the backpack 70 by being attached to the first and/or second cords of the restraining device 110.

The restraining device 110 can be located on any desired location of the backpack 70 that has enough space to accommodate it. In some configurations, the restraining device 110 can be located on the rear of the backpack 70 as shown in FIG. 8. In other configurations, the restraining device can be located on the bottom, top, of side of the backpack 70. Indeed, the restraining device 110 can be configured small enough to fit on almost any desired location of a backpack 70 or large enough to cover the entire backpack 70.

FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate some embodiments of how the connection assembly 120 is attached to the backpack 70. In these embodiments, the grasping device 50 is placed in the desired location on the inside of the backpack 70. The latch 75 of the carabineer 50 is then pushed in, creating an open end of the carabineer. That open end is then pushed against the fabric of the backpack in either the first opening 51 (or the second opening 52), forcing the fabric into the first opening. That open end is then further pushed through the channel 53, forcing the fabric of the backpack further into grasping device 50 and into the channel 53. That open end is then pulled out of the second opening 52 (or the first opening 51) and the latch 75 is then released. The fabric of the backpack remains wedged behind the carabineer 60 within the channel 53 of the grasping device 50, thereby securing the connection assembly 120 to backpack.

The latch 75 of the carabineer 50 is then opened so that any loop 90 of the retaining device 110 can be hooked in to the carabineer. After the loop 90 is secure in the carabineer 60, the latch 75 is released and the loop 90 is left enclosed in the carabineer 60, securing that part of the restraining device 110 to the connection assembly 120. This process is repeated for each location of the backpack until the desired number of loops 90 are secured in the desired locations of the backpack.

The grasping device 50 can have any number of configurations that work with a connection device (similar to that described above) to connect to each other without damaging the fabric (or other flexible material) held between them, whether or not a carabineer is used as the connection device. FIGS. 11, 12, and 15 show other embodiments of the grasping devices 150 containing two openings 151 separated by a narrower channel 152. In FIGS. 12 and 15, the grasping device 150 has a non-flat shape. FIGS. 13A and 13B illustrate configurations of the grasping devices containing two openings 151 separated by a narrower channel 152 but where the device can be separated (and then re-connected) into two connected pieces. These configurations can be helpful when installing the grasping device on a backpack. FIGS. 14A, 14B, and 14C illustrate configuration of the grasping device 150 that is split in two halves and connected by a hinge and locking mechanism 152.

Another configuration for the grasping device is depicted in FIGS. 16 and 17. In the configurations illustrated in FIGS. 16A and 16B, the grasping device 150 comprises a ring with an opening 153 that contains protrusions 154 on each side that are larger than the diameter of the ring. In the configurations depicted in FIGS. 17A and B, the grasping device 150 contains an oblong ring 156 with two openings 151 separated by a narrow channel 152 that is created by two protrusions 155 (i.e., ball-shaped structures). FIGS. 18 a and 18 b show other configurations in which the grasping device 150 containing two openings 151 separated by a channel 152 that is created by a curvature in the structure of the device.

Another configuration for the grasping device is depicted in FIGS. 19 a, 19 b, and 19 c where the first and second openings 151 and channel 152 are created by a structure having an indentation 160 in the top of the structure with a hollow inner core 161. Another configuration for the grasping device 150 is depicted in FIGS. 20A and 20B where the device can be temporarily separated into two separate pieces and the first and second openings 151 and channel 152 are created by the structure of the device. Yet another configuration for the grasping device 150 is depicted in FIGS. 21A and 21B where the first and second openings 151 and channel 152 are created by an indentation 162 in the spherical structure. Yet another configuration for the grasping device 150 is depicted in FIGS. 22A and 22B where the first and second openings 151 and channel 152 are created by two openings in a spherical structure.

In addition to any previously indicated modification, numerous other variations and alternative arrangements may be devised by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of this description, and appended claims are intended to cover such modifications and arrangements. Thus, while the information has been described above with particularity and detail in connection with what is presently deemed to be the most practical and preferred aspects, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that numerous modifications, including, but not limited to, form, function, manner of operation and use may be made without departing from the principles and concepts set forth herein. Also, as used herein, examples are meant to be illustrative only and should not be construed to be limiting in any manner. 

1. A device for grasping a carabineer and retaining it to a backpack, comprising: a first opening; a second opening; and a channel located between the openings and having a diameter less than the openings; wherein the grasping device is configured so that a side of the carabineer enters the first opening, exits the second opening, and is retained by the channel.
 2. The device of claim 1, wherein the first and second openings are substantially similar in size.
 3. The device of claim 1, wherein the first and second openings are substantially similar in shape.
 4. The device of claim 1, wherein the diameter of the channel is about 20% to about 25% smaller than the size of the openings.
 5. The device of claim 1, wherein the channel contains a depth sufficient to also retain the fabric of a backpack.
 6. An assembly for connecting a cord to a backpack, comprising: a grasping device; and a connection device removably attached to the grasping device so that fabric of a backpack is retained between the grasping device and the connection device.
 7. The assembly of claim 6, wherein the connection device comprises a carabineer.
 8. The assembly of claim 7, wherein the grasping device comprises a first opening, a second opening, and a channel located between both openings and having a diameter less than the openings.
 9. The assembly of claim 8, wherein the grasping device is configured so that a side of the carabineer enters the first opening, exits the second opening, and is retained by the channel.
 10. The assembly of claim 9, wherein the first and second openings are substantially similar in size.
 11. The assembly of claim 9, wherein the first and second openings are substantially similar in shape.
 12. The assembly of claim 9, wherein the diameter of the channel is about 20% to about 25% smaller than the size of the openings.
 13. The assembly of claim 9, wherein the channel contains a depth sufficient to also retain the fabric of a backpack.
 14. A backpack storage apparatus, comprising: a restraining device configured to store items on the outside of a backpack; and an assembly for connecting the restraining device to the backpack comprising: a grasping device; and a connection device removably attached to the grasping device so that fabric of a backpack is retained between the grasping device and the connection device.
 15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the connection device comprises a carabineer.
 16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the grasping device comprises a first opening, a second opening, and a channel located between both openings and having a diameter less than the openings.
 17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the grasping device is configured so that a side of the carabineer enters the first opening, exits the second opening, and is retained by the channel.
 18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the first and second openings are substantially similar in size.
 19. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the first and second openings are substantially similar in shape.
 20. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the diameter of the channel is about 20% to about 25% smaller than the size of the openings.
 21. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the channel contains a depth sufficient to also retain the fabric of a backpack. 